Sweet Exploration
Polipoli is a very scenic area on the slopes of Haleakala about 3,600 feet above sea-level. Located in Kula, it overlooks the isthmus that connects Haleakala to the West Maui mountains. I learned to fly gliders on this slope, as did many of the people in our club. Polipoli is a gorgeous spot to spend a quiet family outing enjoying the scenery. Often, the R/C glider folks can be found thermalling lazily for many peaceful hours.
If you look at a map of Maui, you’ll notice the island has what looks like a silhouette of a human head. Polipoli is located very near the middle of the “body” portion. Follow Hana Highway (36) east-bound out of Kahului about a mile. Turn right on Haleakala Hwy. (37) and follow it until it becomes Kula Highway (37). Continue along Kula Highway to Rice Park; turn left at Rice Park onto the “Old” Lower Kula Rd. Take the first right onto Waipoli Rd. (NOT POLIPOLI RD.) , follow it up-hill past Kekaulike Highway (377), continue on past the houses and into the pasture. When you drive over the second cattle guard (steel rails spaced 4″ apart across the road) you will make an up-hill, right-hand, hairpin turn. A hundred yards from that turn is the primary flying site. There is a second site just below the point where the road enters the forest.
DLG GLiders
Slope gliders
rc gliders